Kempston Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In February 2025, Kempston recorded 149 crimes, equivalent to 7.2 per 1,000 residents. This rate places the area 7.5% above the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (47 incidents, 31.5% of total), followed by shoplifting (30 incidents, 20.1%) and anti-social behaviour (17 incidents, 11.4%). These figures suggest a mix of persistent issues and seasonal patterns. The winter month, with its low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, may partly explain the dominance of indoor-focused crimes such as violence and anti-social behaviour. Shoplifting, which is 142% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), could reflect the area’s retail presence, as Kempston is part of a built-up area within Bedford, a town known for its commercial and residential mix. The lower-than-average rates for burglary (63% below UK average) and vehicle crime (46% below) might indicate effective local policing or lower exposure to high-risk environments typically associated with urban centres. However, the sharp rise in drug-related crimes (140% above UK average) and the significant increase in shoplifting (+50% month-on-month) suggest emerging pressures that warrant further attention.

February 2025 saw notable shifts in crime trends. Shoplifting increased by 50% compared to January, rising from 20 to 30 incidents, a figure 142% above the UK average. This surge may be linked to the proximity of Kempston’s retail areas to transport hubs, which could see higher foot traffic during winter months. Conversely, burglary dropped by 75% (from 8 to 2 incidents), a stark decline that contrasts with the UK average rate of 0.3 per 1,000. The decrease could reflect improved security measures in local businesses or reduced opportunities due to colder weather. Drug-related crimes also rose by 20%, from 10 to 12 incidents, placing this category 140% above the UK average. This increase may be connected to seasonal patterns, as winter months often see heightened drug use and distribution in areas with limited recreational options. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remained a persistent issue, though its rate (0.8 per 1,000) was 18% below the UK average, due to community-led initiatives or effective local enforcement. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting is a clear indicator of a need for heightened vigilance in retail areas during this period.

Kempston’s crime rate in February 2025 (7.2 per 1,000) marked a 19.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the typical pre-spring lull in activity often observed in smaller built-up areas. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while modest, underscores the need for consistent community engagement. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 139 residents in Kempston reported a crime, a statistic that contextualises the impact on a local scale. When compared to the UK average, Kempston’s population of 20,665 means that its crime rate translates to a slightly higher burden than the national average, though this is offset by lower rates in categories such as burglary and vehicle crime. The monthly exposure figure (1-in-139) is particularly useful for residents, as it provides a tangible sense of risk relative to the population size. The drop in overall crime compared to January may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity and the closure of some local businesses during the winter, though this hypothesis requires further data to confirm.